Childbirth may result in hair loss. It's common for many women to notice hair loss about 3 months after they've had a baby. This too, is caused by hormones. But this is not something to worry about. You see, during pregnancy, hair that normally falls out is kept in by high levels of hormones. Once the hormones have returned to pre-pregnancy levels, this extra hair falls out. The normal cycle of hair growth and loss then begins again.
The most important decision in restoring your hair is the physician you choose. The skill, talent, and experience of hair restoration physicians vary widely, as do the end results. Who you choose will determine how natural and full your new hair will be for the rest of your life.
Since performing follicular unit hair transplantation is very demanding upon a clinic’s physician and staff only a minority of hair restoration clinics perform it successfully. Unfortunately, many clinics are still unwilling or unable to dedicate the time and resources required to master and perform this procedure successfully.
Therefore, those seeking only the most natural results need to be very selective. Keep in mind that in the United States any licensed physician can perform hair restoration surgery without any special certification or training. If you do not find an excellent hair restoration surgeon in your local area seriously consider traveling out of state to get your hair restored properly. After all, the results will last a lifetime.
How many years has the physician been dedicated to doing hair restoration?
How many hair restoration procedures does the surgeon perform in one day? Ideally the physician will be dedicated to working on you all day if you are doing a large mega session procedure.
Does the physician perform hair restoration surgery full time or predominantly? If not, the clinic may not have a staff that is experienced enough to successfully perform large sessions of all microscopically prepared Follicular Unit (FU) grafts.
What is the hair restoration surgeon's reputation among his or her peers?
Does the physician take a holistic approach to hair loss treatment and also offer advice or Rogaine?
What procedure does the clinic perform? Is it truly state of the art?
Does the physician use microscopes for the dissection of the donor tissue into 1, 2, 3, and 4 hair Follicular Unit (FU) grafts?
Large sessions of all microscopically prepared grafts are a team effort. But how "hands on" will your hair restoration surgeon be? Will he or she be making all the incisions in the graft recipient area, thus determining the design and hair direction of your transplanted hair? How involved will your surgeon be in the placing of the actual grafts?
Trust but Verify – Review Patient Results
Can the surgeon provide a list of names and phone numbers of patients willing to discuss their personal experiences? Patient testimonials will say a lot.
Can the surgeon provide at least one dozen sets of clinical "before" and "after" case photos for your review? Be sure the photos offer good clarity and detail and include "before" views as well as "after" views that allow for critical evaluation.
Verify claims by visiting online discussion forums and searching for previous posts regarding a hair transplant physician you are considering.
Our member physicians are carefully reviewed and granted membership in the Coalition based on their high level of ethics, skill, and the quality of their patient results.
Learn more about our network of quality prescreened physicians.
Procerin is one of the top selling “all natural” hair loss products on the market today and is often an attractive alternative to drugs like Propecia (finasteride)and Rogaine (minoxidil). Procerin comes in both a tablet and topical form that can be ordered together or separately depending on your hair restoration goals.
Men and women suffering from androgenic alopecia (genetic female hair loss / male pattern baldness) have elevated levels of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in their body. Procerin’s claim to fame is that it naturally blocks this DHT without reacting with testosterone like the drugs Propeciaand Avodart (dutasteride). This allegedly allows Procerin to stop hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth without unwanted sexual side effects. Procerin is so convinced their product works, that they offer a 90 day money back guarantee if you don’t receive your desired hair growth results. But how many balding men and women have successfully restored their hair with Procerin?
In order to fully evaluate the efficacy of this product, we must further explore each ingredient to determine whether or not this hair loss treatment delivers what it promises. Below you will find a list of ingredients and information that will help you determine whether or not Procerin is right for you.
The Procerin tablet includes a number of alleged “all natural” DHT blockers including saw palmetto for hair loss, zinc sulfate, pyroxidine, magnesium, and a proprietary blend of gotu kola, nettles, pumpkin seed, eleuthero root, muira puma root, and uva ursi. Many, but not all of these ingredients are also found in the highly popular hair loss treatment Provillus.
Oral saw palmettoand nettle root extracthave been used as “all natural” alternatives to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) or enlarged prostates. Theories have thus been produced that they might also effectively treat baldness and alopecia.
Some studies suggest that Zinc when combined with Vitamin B6 may be able to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT in the skin.
Pumpkin seed oils contain the ingredient delta-7-sterine that has been said to protect the prostate by competing with DHT. Therefore, it’s suggested that this ingredient might help reduce the risk of genetic hair loss.
Eleuthero, uva-ursi, muria puma, and horsetail are said to promote healthy hair growth, hair expansion, and a clean scalp. However, promoting healthy hair growth is not the same as stimulating new hair growth, hair regrowth, nor does it indicate they’re effective hair loss treatments.
The Procerin topical solution contains saw palmetto extract, gamma linolenic acid, grape seed extract, azelaic acid, avocado oil, and nettle extract.
Azelaic acid when applied topically has been conjectured to inhibit DHT. Some anecdotal evidence suggests oral saw palmettomay inhibit DHT however; no such evidence exists for topical use. Though nettles are typically consumed orally, some speculate nettle root extract may help fight alopecia areata when applied topically.
One false assumption is that “all natural” hair loss products don’t have potential side effects. Procerin reports directly on their website that reported side effects include mild stomach discomfort and from the topical formula, skin irritation. Additionally, be sure to research each ingredient carefully as some side effects are possible in larger quantities.
Currently there are no standards on dosages of herbal medications in the United States. In addition, no formal clinical studies have been performed on them for treating baldness. Therefore, the suggested daily value listed on the ingredient package is based on something other than government regulation and scientific study.
The discounted cost of the combined formula for a 1 month supply of Procerin is about $50 and is discounted when you buy in bulk. It is also cheaper when you buy in bulk.
Though we can appreciate the aspiration for balding men and women to use herbal products as an “all-natural” replacement for Propecia to treat androgenic alopecia, we’ve seen no third party clinical studies that support the ingredients in Procerin can successfully stop hair loss or stimulate hair regrowth. Due to the lack of compelling evidence in these other conjectured hair loss solutions, it may be more beneficial and cost effective to spend your money on Propecia (finasteride) for men only and Rogaine (minoxidil) that has helped balding men and women worldwide for years. For men who have experienced sexual side effects with Propecia, Procerin may at the very least, be worth trying as an adjunct treatment to Rogaine.
Hair transplant procedures have evolved a long, long way since they began in the early 1950's. The "corn row" or "doll's" hair look that was associated with hair transplantation has evolved into today's "follicular unit" procedure that, when done right, is undetectable even by a hair stylist.
During the past several decades superstition, old wives tales, and guess work has gradually been replaced by science.
The early 1800's is renowned in hair restoration circles as the age of the con men. There were hundreds of hair restoration treatments released and many lasted well into the late 1900's. These "cures" were marketed by "doctors", whose only skills were those of fast-talking and nerves of steel (as well as bravery, considering they were conning hardened cowboys and outlaws!).
The salesmen hawked their products from the safety of their side shows and "Wild West" spectaculars. They used endless tricks to get people to buy their products, such as rubbing grease into people's hair, to make it look thicker.
In 1939, a Japanese dermatologist, Dr. Okuda, published a revolutionary method in a Japanese medical journal that would lay the ground work for modern hair transplantation.
This method involved using hair transplant grafts to correct lost hair from various areas, including the scalp, eyebrow, and moustache areas. However, this study didn't make an impact in the Western Hemisphere due to the interruption of World War II.
In the late 50's one physician in particular, Dr. Norman Orentriech, began to experiment with the idea of relocating or transplanting the hair on the back and sides of the head to the balding areas.
Dr. Orentriech's experiments showed that when bald resistant hairs from the back and sides of the head were relocated they maintained their bald resistant genetic characteristic regardless of where they were transplanted.
This principle, known as "Donor Dominance", established that hair could be transplanted from the bald resistant donor areas to the balding areas and continue to grow for a life time. This laid the foundation for modern hair transplantation.
During the 60's and 70's hair transplants grew in popularity. However, the standard of care used larger grafts that were removed by round punches and often contained many hairs.
This now outdated hair transplant technique could achieve good results with a full look if a patient completed all planned sessions. However, a patient was typically limited in the manner they could style their hair.
Patients who stopped short of completing all planned sessions were left with hair transplants that looked obvious and unnatural. Such uncompleted hair transplant results are some times referred to as "Barbie doll hair" or "corn rows".
Many who have had these older techniques now refine or complete their bad hair transplants with today's very refined techniques to achieve a natural look that they can style in any manner.
Continue reading Hair Restoration Evolution - Hair Loss Solution
The exciting new Rogaine foam has undergone its own extensive FDA trials and can rightfully boast an impressive 85% hair regrowth success rate in people who use it twice daily. This is more than 20% higher than the liquid 5% minoxidil solution at 64%. Rogaine foam also comes without the inconveniences of its liquid counterpart such as scalp irritation, flaking, and messy application. The foam dries almost instantly as opposed to the liquid's 15 minute waiting period.
Note: Despite what the insert says, Rogaine works just as well for frontal hair loss, recession, and thinning hair.
Rogaine foam uses versafoam technology to aid the delivery of the minoxidil to the hair follicles. As the minoxidil absorbs into the scalp, it stimulates follicles, revitalizing them, promoting thicker and healthier hair growth. This promotes a thicker and fuller appearance of hair.
While Rogaine foam is supreme in many ways, it's unlikely to regrow thick terminal hair in completely bald areas. For best results, men ought to consider combining Rogaine with Propecia (finasteride), the only FDA approved and clinically proven DHT inhibitor to stop hair loss. See the "recommended treatments" section below for more details.
Don't expect immediate results. Just as hair loss is a slow process, regrowing it is too. Thus, it's recommended to use Rogaine for approximately 6 to 12 months before determining its effectiveness. Documenting your progress with bi-monthly photos can help you better evaluate the results.
Hair shedding is a common symptom the first few months and a sign that the medication may be working for you. It's crucial to push past this stage with continued use for the recommended period of time.
To date, only surgical hair restoration is proven to grow hair in completely bald areas. You are invited to have a free virtual consultation with one of our prescreened hair restoration physicians.
There are a variety of hair loss remedy "concealer" products that are applied to the scalp and/or hair in the thinning areas to mask a person's baldness and increase the look of fullness of thinning hairs. These products such as Toppik, Couvré, and Prothik can work surprisingly well at creating the illusion of fuller hair.
Some of our member physicians advise their hair restoration patients to use such hair loss remedy products to enhance the look of fullness in their transplanted areas. These products can also be used post operatively to hide the immediate surgery.
Toppik - Toppik is an effective, safe, and easy-to-use product that completely covers up the scalp's thinning areas.
Couvre - COUVRe is safe for men and women, easy to use, and is totally undetectable to the world's toughest critics.
Caboki - Caboki is comprised of a series of charged microfibers that, when applied to the scalp, tightly bind hair shafts and create a denser, fuller appearance.
DermMatch - DermMatch is a safe and easy way to cover-up thinning areas and instantly provides the appearance of a natural looking head of hair.
Nanogen - Nanogen is one of the fastest, easiest ways to conceal thinning hair and hair loss.
Prothik - Prothik does an exceptional job of adding thickness and fullness to thinning hair while reducing the contrast between thinning hair and the scalp.
Anyone suffering the effects of an incurable and debilitating medical condition yearns for the promise of new and revolutionary treatment options and hair loss sufferers are no exception. Though often dismissed as insignificant by those who are unaffected by it, baldness and thinning hair can devastate the lives of millions of men and women susceptible to the effects of androgenic alopecia. The desperation to restore the flowing locks of youth make this demographic particularly susceptible to slick marketing campaigns promising to halt balding and regrow hair. One such product marketed in this fashion is Europe’s TRX2 Molecular Hair Loss Treatment. But, will hair loss sufferers find follicles behind the flash?
TRX2 Molecular Hair Loss Treatment is not a drug or medication. It is an herbal, dietary supplement taken orally. A glance at its ingredients list reveals nothing new or revolutionary. Each component is readily available at your local nutritional supplement shop, though you may not find the same concentrations of each in a single product. It's ingredients are listed below:
Ingredients: L-carnitine tartrate (800 mg), potassium chloride (191 mg), L-leucine (150 mg), isoleucine (75 mg), valine (75 mg), nicotinic acid (40 mg), and biotin (150 µg).
With these ingredients so readily available, one might wonder if the significant cost savings of purchasing them individually and mixing your own TRX2 at home is just as effective for hair growth. The official website’s FAQ addresses this notion with the following response.
“The benefit of taking TRX2™ Molecular Hair Growth Supplement singularly, as opposed to buying each ingredient separately, is based on several facts:
The precise amount and ratio of ingredients in our supplement are carefully chosen and engineered based on credible scientific studies. The ingredients in our capsule were specifically formulated to work in concert with one another and are manufactured in accordance with strict European quality controls. For the consumer, the convenience of taking all compounds at the optimum ratio in one capsule and delivered via our proprietary potassium channel stimulating complex is crucially important.”
Perhaps this is true. However, at a hefty €54.95 (about $72) for a one month supply, those seeking to save some money may want to give the home brew option a shot first.
Additionally, referencing scientific studies is an effective way to add legitimacy to a product but one must always consider the source. While the TRX2 website provides detailed data gathered from a “randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study”, it is unclear who conducted the study and there is no mention of publication in a peer reviewed journal. Peer review is the industry standard for evaluation of clinical trial results and its absence is cause for concern.
TRX2 claims to stop hair loss and regrow hair through the “rejuvenation of potassium ion channels within hair follicles”. This theory is based on research suggesting that the opening of potassium channels is an important regulatory mechanism for hair growth.
A bold statement at the top of the TRX2 website states that it has been shown to regrow hair in nearly 9 out of 10 men and women. But, does TRX2 really do what it claims? The bottom of the company’s website provides a very important disclaimer.
“These statements have not been evaluated by the medicines regulatory agencies. This product is not a drug or medicine, and is therefore not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This patent-pending food supplement contains nutrients that help promote and sustain healthy hair growth. Results may vary and are subject to your individual metabolism. Regarding risks and side-effects please see the package insert and ask your physician or healthcare specialist.”
Careful wording in the above statement may give consumers the wrong idea. Helping to “promote and sustain healthy hair growth” is not the same as stopping hair loss or regrowing hair lost due to the effects of androgenic alopecia. A quality shampoo and condition can make hair more manageable and appear fuller.
While TRX2 contains "drug-free" ingredients that are all natural or synthesized as normal metabolites in the human body, there is a potential for certain side effects.
Some consumers of TRX2 have reported transitory gastrointestinal effects including an upset stomach. Thus, it is recommended to take TRX2 after eating. Additional side effects include the possibility of allergic reactions such as skin flushes. If any of these conditions occur, it is recommended to consult a physician.
It is also recommended that any potential customers suffering from digestive system disorders, diabetes or those who are glucose-intolerant consult with their physician before taking TRX2.
Moreover, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid taking TRX2 due to its lack of long term safety data.
The role of potassium channels in hair growth is still being investigated and it’s unclear if TRX2 truly has the potential to significantly affect these channels. However, there is a clinically proven and FDA approved medical hair loss treatment that is known to do so. Rogaine (minoxidil) has been used successfully by balding men and women for more than 20 years. The exact mechanisms by which minoxidil affects hair growth are not fully understood but it is a known vasodilator and has also been shown to enhance the flow of potassium ions. Given that minoxidil is relatively inexpensive, clinically proven and comes with very little risk of side effects, it may be a better option for hair loss suffering men and women.
Additionally, balding men should seriously consider adding Propecia (finasteride) to their hair growth regimen. Propecia stops hair loss at its core by inhibiting the production of DHT (the hormone responsible for genetic baldness) and is arguably the most effective treatment for male pattern balding currently available.
When it comes to “new and revolutionary” hair loss treatments, proceed with caution. There is nothing wrong with trying a new treatment provided it is safe and purchased from a reliable source. However, forgoing tried and true medical treatment s in favor of experimental products may result in further loss of precious and irreplaceable hair.
To share your thoughts and experience with TRX2 on our hair loss forum, join the discussion “TRX2: Any Feedback?”.
Viviscal's hair growth vitamin and dietary supplement taken twice daily promises to "reverse hair loss" and grow thicker hair in both men and women experiencing balding and thinning hair. Its primary activeingredient, AminoMar C™ Marine Complex, is said to be a proprietary blend of ingredients and proteins that "provides the essential nutrients needed to nourish thinning hair and promote existing hair growth".
The entire Viviscal product line includes an "all natural" dietary supplement, a shampoo and conditioner, and a scalp lotion. Viviscal is promoted as being 100% natural, drug-free, gluten-free and safe from harmful side effects. But can Viviscal deliver on its promises to reverse hair loss and grow new hair?
In 2011, Viviscal advertisement was banned in the United Kingdom by the Advertising Standard Authority (ASA) who deemed that its claims to maintain optimum hair health were unproven. The ASA concluded:
"Because the evidence sent did not show that the ingredients in Viviscal had been shown to have a positive effect on hair health, we concluded the claims that the product could 'nourish hair follicles' had not been substantiated' and ruled the advert cannot be broadcast until it is changed."
However, as with many similar products promising to grow hair, substantiating their hair growth claims may not be a simple task.
Viviscal’s manufacturer does reference a number of studies that seem to support their claims of growing thicker hair. For example, the results of "Scientific Pilot Study #1" on 40 hair loss suffering females with an average age of 35 concluded, "Viviscal was well received by test subjects and the analysis of hair counts showed a mean reduction in hair loss of 46% in only 10 weeks." Additional studies are cited on Viviscal’s website.
Recently, we learned that Dr. Glenn Charleshas publicly endorsed Viviscal. Dr. Charles has an outstanding reputation for performing state of the art hair transplant surgery and is a highly esteemed member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.When asked to comment on his public endorsement of Viviscal, Dr. Charles stated:
"I have never had any hair loss patients display any negative effects. I describe it to my patients as a natural supplement that can promote a healthier scalp and hair. It may also, in turn, slow down the hair loss process. I tell all my patients that there are no guarantees with this product. Although most patients believe that they did have improvement after using this product, I admit that some patients do not see any noticeable changes that either they or I can identify."
Other hair loss experts are not as optimistic regarding Viviscal’s hair growth potential. Coalition member Dr. Bill Rassmanof Los Angeles states:
"I am skeptical of the photographs (results) and the changes shown make me doubt what the Viviscal marketing department wants me to see. Viviscal reportedly contains ‘special marine extracts and a silica compound’ - and yet I’m to believe this will regrow hair? If these photos were real, the product would have taken over the market years ago."
It's also important to note that Viviscal does notmake any claims on their website that their products can reverse the effects of genetic hair loss. Instead, it simply states, "Viviscal works to reverse hair loss due to stress, poor nutrition, and many health related ailments".
So is Viviscal an effective hair loss treatment? More research may be needed before this question can be effectively answered.
While there may be no harm (potential side effects) in trying it, at an average cost of $600 per year there are certainly more affordable and proven treatments available. The only clinically proven and FDA approved medical hair loss treatments currently available are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). While Rogaine may be used by both male and female patients, Propecia is safe and approved only for male hair loss sufferers. Always consult your physician before adding any treatment to your hair loss regimen.